Parent Disclosure Policy

University of New Haven, Campus Access Services

The parent (or legal guardian) of a primary or secondary school pupil with a disability
is an essential participant in school decisions about that child's disability-related
needs. When that child enters the university, however, the parent no longer participates
directly in the institution's decision-making process. The parent may continue to
offer the student advice and support, but the student becomes solely responsible for
communicating with university personnel about disability-related matters.

ARC staff are aware of the difficulty of this role change, and welcome the opportunity
to offer advice and general policy information to the parents of students with disabilities;
however, the parent is not recognized by the ARC as a surrogate for the student in
matters related to the student's disability accommodations and services. In accordance
with this perspective, the ARC has established the following regarding parental involvement.

Policy

A student who wishes to request disability accommodations or a formal review of disability
documentation must submit a written and signed or in person request for such services.
A request from a parent, a legal guardian, a clinician, a school official, or another
third party will not be accepted in lieu of a direct request from the student.

ARC personnel will not discuss the following with the parent or legal guardian of
a student unless the student is present during the discussion AND a signed release
of information from the student is on file with the ARC.

the contents of a clinician's report or other documentation of disability

additional documentation needed to fulfill documentation requirements

the status of the disability documentation review process or the results of that process

a student's accommodation needs, approved disability accommodations or utilization
of such accommodations, or the status of a student's request for accommodations and
services

a student's academic progress

When appropriate, the student receives detailed written communication from the ARC
concerning these matters. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged, therefore, to
request information directly from the student.